SEARCH RESULTS

Written By: Elizabeth Davila , School Business Manager, UCP of Central Florida Marissa is making wonderful, joyful progress as her school and home experiences continue to come together. Every day, she is becoming more independent—confidently throwing away her trash, getting her shoes, and staying in her designated area on her own. These small but meaningful milestones reflect her growing confidence, sense of responsibility, and comfort navigating daily routines. Her self-awareness and social skills are also blossoming in exciting ways. One area of remarkable growth has been her engagement in parallel play, an important step in social development. She is learning to interact alongside her peers, observing, sharing space, and beginning to connect in meaningful ways, all of which lay the foundation for more advanced social interactions in the future. Marissa’s progress highlights the power of consistency and collaboration between home and school. By supporting her across environments, she is able to practice skills in multiple settings, building confidence and independence at every turn. Her journey is a beautiful reminder of how patience, encouragement, and tailored support can help children thrive—growing not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. We couldn’t be prouder of Marissa and the steady, joyful strides she is making each day!

Written By: Ann M. Our students recently wrapped up an exciting 10-day weather study with a hands-on showcase of their learning! Over the course of the project, they completed engaging, interactive tasks designed to deepen their understanding of weather concepts and build practical skills. As part of the experience, students partnered with their families to create weather reporting projects, giving them the chance to practice real-world communication and share their learning beyond the classroom. The culmination of their efforts was a vibrant gallery walk along the hallway, where they proudly displayed their projects and invited other classes to explore, ask questions, and celebrate their hard work. This event highlighted not only the students’ growing confidence as young scientists but also their creativity, collaboration, and excitement for learning. It was a wonderful way to bring the classroom community together and showcase the power of hands-on, family-connected learning!

Written By: Sarah Duncan , UCP of Central Florida When you meet Gigi, a bright and determined third grader at UCP, the first thing you notice is her smile and soon after, her voice. Funny, outgoing, and full of personality, Gigi has a way of drawing people in. As she continues to develop her communication and social skills, those around her are getting to know her more and more, and it’s impossible not to love the joyful, spirited person she is becoming. Gigi’s journey with UCP began when she was just a baby. From the very start, she has received consistent therapies that have supported her development and helped her build a strong foundation for growth. Over the years, her progress has been remarkable. She has come such a long way in her communication, mobility, fine-motor, and academic skills, showing determination and resilience at every step. Today, Gigi is able to engage in reciprocal conversations, sharing her thoughts and ideas while listening and responding to others. She confidently advocates for her needs, an important milestone that reflects her growing independence and self-awareness. She is also connecting more deeply with the people around her—forming relationships with teachers, therapists, classmates, and friends. As these skills continue to develop, Gigi’s personality shines even brighter, allowing everyone to truly see her sense of humor and outgoing nature. UCP has played a vital role in Gigi’s success . Through consistent therapies, wonderful teachers, and a supportive, inclusive classroom environment, Gigi has been given the tools she needs to thrive. Her teachers work tirelessly to support her academically, while her therapists focus on building skills that translate into everyday independence. Her classmates, who learn alongside her, help create a welcoming environment where differences are embraced and friendships can flourish. At home, Gigi’s growth brings daily moments of pride and happiness. Her mom shares, “She amazes me, her independence and strong will are qualities that I admire. She surprises me every day by using new words randomly within conversations that I didn’t know she knew! Those moments make my heart so happy!” These spontaneous moments are powerful reminders of how much Gigi is learning and how far she has come. While Gigi’s journey is ongoing, her progress is undeniable. As her mom lovingly reflects, “I know there is a long way to go, but the improvement is undeniable. I am certain that with love, kindness, and hard work she will do amazing things!” That belief, combined with Gigi’s determination and the support of the UCP community, continues to fuel her success. Gigi’s story is one of growth, perseverance, and joy. She is finding her voice, building her independence, and sharing her wonderful personality with the world. With each new skill, we get to know her a little more—and it’s clear that Gigi’s future is full of amazing possibilities.

Written By:   Anna O'Connor Morin , Associate Superintendent Families often ask for a one to one (1:1) adult support person for their student because they want their child to be safe, successful, and supported—and that makes complete sense. While 1:1 support can be helpful in very specific situations, it is not always the best long-term approach for students in special education. Most Restrictive Support A full-time 1:1 adult is considered one of the most restrictive forms of support. It places an adult with the student at all times, which can unintentionally limit opportunities for the student to: Learn alongside peers Practice problem-solving independently Build confidence in their own abilities Special education services aim to provide the least restrictive supports possible while still meeting a student’s needs. Barriers to Independence Although a 1:1 aide is meant to help, constant adult support can sometimes: Create reliance on an adult instead of learning skills independently Reduce motivation to try tasks on their own Make it harder for the student to generalize skills when the adult is not present Our goal is to help students develop skills they can use across settings—at school, at home, and in the community. Impact on Social Development Having an adult nearby always can: Make it harder for students to interact naturally with peers Increase feelings of being “different” from classmates Limit opportunities to practice social problem-solving Peer relationships are an important part of learning and growth. Skill-Building vs. Support Dependence Instead of focusing on “doing for” a student, we want to focus on teaching skills: Using visual supports Providing structured routines Teaching coping and self-regulation strategies Offering small-group or shared adult support when needed These approaches encourage growth while still providing safety and structure. Our Shared Goal We all want the same thing: for students to feel safe, confident, capable, and successful—both now and in the future. By using thoughtful, less restrictive supports, we can help students build the independence they need to thrive.

Written by: Tania Villalon, Parent Engagement Coordinator We know mornings can be busy, schedules can be tight, and life happens. Still, one of the most powerful ways families can support their child’s success is something simple but important: helping them be at school every day. Research consistently shows that regular school attendance plays a major role in how children learn, grow, and thrive over time. What Good Attendance Really Means Missing school occasionally is expected. Children get sick, and family needs come up. What makes a difference is how often absences happen over time. Education research shows that missing about two days a month may not feel like much, but over a school year it adds up to 18 days. Students who miss this much school are considered chronically absent, which has been linked to learning gaps and lower academic performance. Why Showing Up Matters Especially in the Early Years When students attend school consistently, they are more likely to: Keep up with reading and math Feel confident participating in class Develop strong learning routines In the early grades, attendance is especially important. Studies show that students who miss too much school in elementary years are less likely to read on grade level by third grade, an important milestone connected to long term school success. Attendance Today Shapes Tomorrow As students get older, attendance continues to matter. Patterns of frequent absences in middle and high school are strongly linked to difficulty graduating on time. Even one year of chronic absence can increase the risk of falling behind or becoming disengaged from school. Schools use attendance trends as an early signal to provide support and help students stay on track. School Is About More Than Academics School is not just about lessons and grades. It is where children build friendships, connect with caring adults, and access important supports like meals, counseling, and academic help. When students miss school often, they can begin to feel disconnected from classmates and the school community. Health and education experts now recognize regular attendance as an important part of a child’s overall wellbeing. How Families Can Help And How We Can Help You No one expects perfect attendance. The goal is to avoid patterns of frequent absences when possible. A few helpful tips: Aim for no more than a few absences a year, and watch for patterns like missing a day or two each month Schedule appointments outside school hours when you can Plan family trips during school breaks Reach out if your child is feeling anxious, struggling with transportation, or facing other challenges If something is making attendance difficult, please let us know. Schools and families work best when we partner early to problem solve and support students. Our goal is the same as yours: helping your child feel confident, connected, and successful. When families and schools work together around attendance, students benefit now and in the years to come. Every day really does count, and together we can make each one matter.

Written By: Anna O'Connor Morin , Senior Director of Education What Is Reading Fluency? Reading fluency is a child’s ability to read smoothly, accurately, and with expression. A fluent reader doesn’t have to stop and sound out every word—they can read in a way that sounds natural, like talking. When children read fluently, they can focus on understanding the story or information, not just figuring out the words. Fluency is an important bridge between learning to read and reading to learn. Fluency includes three main parts: Accuracy – reading words correctly Rate – reading at a comfortable, not rushed, speed Expression – reading with feeling, appropriate pauses, and voice changes How Can Families Practice Reading Fluency at Home? The best way to build fluency is regular, relaxed reading practice. Here are simple ways to help at home: 1. Read TogetherTake turns reading aloud or read the same text together. Hearing a fluent reader helps children learn how reading should sound. 2. Reread Favorite BooksReading the same book more than once builds confidence and smoothness. This is a good thing—even if your child memorizes parts of the book. 3. Model Expressive ReadingRead aloud with excitement, different voices, and clear pauses. Children learn fluency by listening. 4. Short, Daily PracticeFive to ten minutes of reading each day is more effective than long sessions once in a while. 5. Encourage, Don’t Correct Too MuchIf your child makes a mistake but the meaning is clear, let them keep going. Fluency grows when reading feels enjoyable and successful. Fun Fluency Activities to Try Echo Reading: You read a sentence with expression, then your child repeats it. Choral Reading: Read together at the same pace, with you slightly ahead. Repeated Reading: Have your child reread favorite passages 3-4 times to build speed and confidence. Make It Playful & Expressive Use silly voices for characters or read like a robot, villain, or elf. Turn reading into a game: time your child and celebrate improvements. Record your child reading and listen together to notice progress. Support Beyond Practice Read aloud to your child daily — choose books just above their reading level. Talk about new words and ask questions about the story. Celebrate every small success to keep motivation high! Remember Fluency takes time to develop. Celebrate effort and progress, and keep reading a positive, low-stress experience. Enjoying books together is one of the best ways to support your child’s reading growth.

Written By:  Ann Lorraine Mistica , Educator, UCP of Central Florida UCP Seminole teachers recently participated in a meaningful professional development session focused on strengthening writing instruction through intentional lesson planning and standards alignment. The session was led by Principal Ms. Stacey Garzione  and Instructional Coach Ms. Jordan Kelly , who guided educators through best practices for effective writing instruction. During the learning experience, teachers explored how to thoughtfully plan and deliver writing lessons aligned to selected standards while collecting student work as evidence of learning. Educators examined student writing samples to identify indicators of mastery and discussed strategies to support student growth across skill levels. Collaboration was a key component of the session, as teachers engaged in reflective conversations and constructive feedback around instructional strategies, student outcomes, and expectations for high-quality writing. These discussions encouraged shared learning and reinforced a collective commitment to instructional excellence. This professional learning opportunity empowered teachers to refine their writing practices and ensured continued delivery of high-quality, standards-aligned instruction that supports student success at UCP Seminole.

Written By:  Ann Lorraine Mistica , Educator , UCP of Central Florida At UCP Seminole, growth and passion shine through the inspiring journeys of Ms. Nelida Gonzales and Ms. Victoria Alfes . Through UCP’s Pathway to Teacher, both educators stepped confidently into leadership roles, transforming their dedication into meaningful impact for the children they serve. Ms. Nelida Gonzales now leads the toddler classroom , creating a warm, nurturing environment where our youngest learners feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore the world around them. Her gentle guidance and enthusiasm help lay a strong foundation for early learning and development. Ms. Victoria Alfes has taken on the lead teacher role in the 1st and 2nd grade ESE classroom , where her commitment, patience, and advocacy empower students to grow academically and socially. Her classroom is a place where students are celebrated for their strengths and supported in reaching their full potential. Together, Ms. Gonzales and Ms. Alfes exemplify how UCP’s Pathway to Teacher helps dedicated paras blossom into confident educators—making a lasting difference in the lives of children every day.

Written By: Tania Villalón Rivera , Parent Engagement Coordinator, UCP of Central Florida The start of a new year is a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect, and look ahead—and children benefit from this process just as much as adults do. Setting goals with kids helps them build confidence, responsibility, and a sense of purpose, while also strengthening family connections. When talking about goals with children, it’s helpful to keep them simple, positive, and age-appropriate. Instead of focusing on what they should “stop” doing, encourage goals that highlight growth, effort, and new habits. For younger children, goals might sound like “practice reading every night” or “use kind words with friends.” Older children may enjoy setting goals related to organization, friendships, learning new skills, or personal interests. Many families find it meaningful to turn goal-setting into a fun tradition. We love setting goals as a family and creating a “bucket list” to go along with them. Each year, we write down things we hope to accomplish as well as places we’d like to visit and activities we want to experience together. Organizing the list into categories—such as learning goals, family activities, and adventures—makes it easier to track and revisit throughout the year. When planning weekends, holidays, or school breaks, we often look back at the list for inspiration and ideas, which keeps our goals active and exciting. Make goal-setting a conversation rather than a lecture. Ask children what they are proud of from the past year and what they would like to work on next. This helps them feel ownership over their goals and teaches valuable reflection skills. Writing goals down, drawing pictures, or creating a visual chart can make the process engaging for all ages. It’s also important to remind children that goals are flexible. Setbacks are a natural part of learning, not failure. Celebrate effort and progress along the way, no matter how small, and check in regularly to see how things are going. Most importantly, model goal-setting as adults. When children see caregivers setting realistic goals and talking openly about challenges and successes, they learn that growth is a lifelong process. By welcoming the new year with shared goals and meaningful traditions, families can start the year feeling connected, hopeful, and ready to grow together.

Written By: Gabriella Oliveira, MSW, Clinical Counselor The holiday season can bring heightened emotions for children who are experiencing grief. While this time of year is often associated with celebration and family traditions, it can also amplify feelings of sadness, confusion, or longing when something meaningful has been lost. For children, grief does not always look like crying or openly expressing sadness. It may show up as increased irritability, emotional outbursts, withdrawal from peers, regression in behavior, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, or physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches. Some children may appear unaffected on the surface, only to express their grief later through play, artwork, or questions that emerge unexpectedly. It is important to remember that grief is not limited to death. Children may grieve many types of losses, including the death of a loved one or pet, family separation, moving to a new home, changing schools, loss of friendships, or changes in family structure. These losses can feel just as significant and confusing for a child, especially during the holidays when routines and traditions may already feel different. Children often move in and out of grief, sometimes seeming “okay” one moment and overwhelmed the next. This fluctuation is a normal part of how children process big emotions. One of the most powerful ways adults can support grieving children is by modeling healthy and appropriate emotional processing. Children do not need perfect answers or for adults to shield them from difficult conversations. Often, they simply need us to stay present, listen, and respond honestly in age-appropriate ways. Avoiding their questions out of fear of saying the wrong thing can unintentionally send the message that grief is something to avoid or hide. Instead, acknowledging feelings, naming emotions, and showing that it is okay to talk about loss teaches children that grief is a  natural part of life  and something they do not have to face alone . It is also important to emphasize how valuable and meaningful memories can be for children who are grieving. Talking about a loved one, sharing stories, looking at photos, or continuing certain traditions can help children maintain a healthy connection to what they have lost. These memories are not something to push away; they are a source of comfort, identity, and love. Allowing children to remember, laugh, and even feel sad at the same time helps them understand that grief and joy can  coexist . As counselors at UCP, we are committed to supporting students as they navigate grief and loss within the school community. This support may include individual counseling sessions, check-ins with students throughout the school day, collaboration with families and teachers, and classroom-based social-emotional support. These are just some of the many ways our counseling team works to support the emotional well-being, resilience, and overall success of our students across UCP.

By: Danielle Waters, MA CCC-SLP For many parents, the idea of bringing more than one child to a therapy session can feel overwhelming. You may picture chaos, distractions, or added stress. But when done intentionally, involving siblings can turn what feels like a challenge into a meaningful advantage—for everyone. Why Sibling Participation Matters Siblings already know your child in ways therapists never fully can: their favorite games, what makes them laugh, and how to encourage them when they’re frustrated. When siblings participate in therapy in small, structured ways, it can: • Boost motivation: Children often try harder when a brother or sister is cheering them on or participating alongside them. • Encourage imitation: Kids naturally copy their siblings. A sibling can demonstrate a skill or behavior, making it easier for your child to understand and follow along. • Improve carryover at home: When siblings learn strategies during therapy, they can support practice during everyday routines—playtime, mealtime, or even during car rides. • Strengthen their bond: Working together toward small goals fosters teamwork and positive interactions, helping both children feel more connected. Making Sibling Involvement Successful Parents don’t need to bring siblings to every session. Even occasional participation can make a difference. Here are some simple ways siblings can be involved without overwhelming the session: Special helper roles: Siblings can be the “game chooser,” “card holder,” or “materials helper.” Modeling and turn-taking: Let siblings demonstrate a skill or take turns in an activity so the child in therapy can watch and learn. Short, focused participation: Involve siblings for the first or last 10 minutes to keep the session calm and purposeful. Positive reinforcement: Therapists can teach siblings simple ways to praise or encourage their brother or sister, helping everyone feel successful. Supporting Siblings Emotionally Brothers and sisters of children with disabilities often face their own unique challenges. Research consistently shows that siblings of children with disabilities experience a complex range of emotions. They may experience confusion, jealousy, resentment or anxiety, but at the same time develop empathy, patience and advocacy skills. Many siblings take great pride in being a “helper,” and this can boost their confidence and sense of belonging. Growing up with a sibling who has special needs often teaches kids to be more patient and understanding. Sometimes, these experiences even inspire them to choose helping professions when they’re older. The Big Picture When siblings are thoughtfully included, therapy becomes more than a weekly appointment—it becomes a family experience that builds connection, empathy, and shared progress. Siblings can pick up helpful strategies for interacting with their brother or sister, which can make their time together at home more positive and connected. Instead of being a distraction, siblings can be one of the most powerful tools in helping your child grow. Talk with your child’s SLP, PT, or OT about involving siblings in therapeutic sessions so they feel included and proud of the support they can provide their brother or sister. This not only strengthens their lifelong bond, but also creates fun, meaningful memories they can share together. And who knows—being part of the process might even inspire a future career interest for them!

Written by: Tania Villalón Rivera , Parents Engagement Coordinator, UCP of Central Florida The holidays can be a joyful yet hectic time, full of activities, family commitments, shopping, and the distractions of screens that pull both kids and adults away from what truly matters—time together. In the rush of the season, it’s easy to overlook that the most meaningful gift isn’t found in expensive presents but in the simple, warm moments shared with loved ones. This year, the goal is to create peaceful memories by managing holiday stress through the power of family time and connection. Keep Expectations Gentle Instead of chasing a “perfect” holiday, aim for a “good enough” one by trimming extra events, traditions, or travel that drain your energy. Discuss as a family what really matters this year—perhaps one or two special traditions or a relaxed day at home—and let those priorities guide your plans. Softening expectations helps reduce pressure and anxiety, opening space for connection. Protect Routines and Rest Maintaining steady routines like mealtimes, bedtimes, and quiet periods anchors the day and helps children feel secure, which can ease stress and melt down triggers. Build in small “reset moments” such as a short walk, reading together, or watching a funny movie to rejuvenate everyone’s mind and body. Cozy and Creative Family Moments Plan simple, low-pressure family activities focused on togetherness rather than perfection. A family pajama day with breakfast-for-dinner and a holiday movie everyone picks is an easy way to connect. Reading a holiday-themed book each night or camping out with blankets and flashlights offers cozy fun. Engage in creative crafts like making paper snowflakes, holiday cards, or decorating cookies together—activities that invite learning and joy through shared effort. Try building a blanket fort, creating a family scrapbook, or setting a daily family reading challenge to blend fun and growth. Kindness and Connection Spread the spirit of giving by choosing a small service project, such as donating gently used toys, baking for neighbors, or making cards for local nursing homes. Start a “kindness calendar” with daily acts of goodwill or keep a gratitude jar to share thankful thoughts together at the end of the break. These acts foster empathy and a sense of community, deepening bonds and adding heart to the season. Set Boundaries and Seek Support It’s okay to say no to obligations that conflict with your family’s needs. Reserve some days or evenings as “no extras” to simply enjoy home life together. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, relatives, or parent groups for emotional support and practical ideas. Sharing the challenges of the holidays reminds us that no one has to navigate them alone. By blending warmth, simplicity, and intention, the holiday season can shift from a harried race to a series of treasured moments. Embracing gentle expectations, steady rhythms, and meaningful traditions helps families slow down, breathe deeply, and create peaceful, joyful memories that last long after the season ends.